The Better Business Bureau is warning people to secure their homes against burglars before they leave for Spring Break.
A professional security system can help keep thieves out and even protect your home from a fire. An alarm can trigger when someone breaks in and immediately alert the authorities. Make sure the security keypad is not in front of a window. A burglar may be able to peek through and see if the alarm is set.
Having a mail slot in your door may sound like a great idea, but it weakens the horizontal integrity of your door making it easier to kick in. Opt for a mailbox or install a slot near the bottom of your door. Choose a P.O. Box at the post office and send your important mail there to prevent identity theft.
Don't leave your key in an obvious spot. A lot of homeowners leave their spare key in the mail box, under the mat, or in a flower pot. Those are all obvious places for a burglar to look. Wrap your key in foil and put it in a secret spot only your family knows about.
Make it look like you are home. Let your neighbors know you're going on vacation and ask a trusted neighbor to get your mail and remove fliers from the door. You should also use lighting to keep thieves away. Motion sensing lights and automatic timers can scare burglars away.
Make sure all your doors and windows are locked. Also, place a metal bar along the track of a sliding glass door or sliding windows to prevent burglars from forcing the door or window open.
